Before using the program you must have access to
computer-compatible meteorological data file(s) that represent wind conditions
in the area where the assessment is to be applied. The data should cover the
seasons and periods (day, evening or night) which need to be considered in the
assessment.

Suitable data can be obtained from a number of sources
including the Bureau of Meteorology, Sydney Water, the Environment Protection
Authority, consultants and industries.

The program can process data in three different formats
including 'comma separated values' (CSV). This allows the user to easily
prepare any data file into the required format from a number of sources (for
example the Bureau of Meteorology) using a spreadsheet or a text editor usually
with only a modest amount of manipulation.

Note: Weather stations record the direction from which the wind is blowing,
relative to True North. It is expressed in degrees measured clockwise from
geographical (true) north. NEWA follows this convention. This can be confirmed
using the single direction sample files accompanying the program.